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Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers #2
Old School
Sometimes the oldest secrets are the hardest ones to keep.
When retired police detective, Albert Smith, and his dog wander into a small town in the French mountains, no one expects the trouble they will uncover.
A body has been unearthed at a nearby archaeological dig and it’s clear no one was ever supposed to find it. The locals deny all knowledge; they have no idea who it could be, but there is something disturbing about how they all give the exact same answer.
And what of the archaeologists? What were they really looking for? It wasn’t the Stone Age settlement they claim to be after. Does everyone in this town have a secret they don’t want exposed?
Together with his trusted sidekick, Albert and Rex are going to get to the bottom of the mystery.
He could walk away, there’s nothing to make him investigate. But Albert has an old school way of thinking and when things don't add up he just cannot help but poke his nose in.
When retired police detective, Albert Smith, and his dog wander into a small town in the French mountains, no one expects the trouble they will uncover.
A body has been unearthed at a nearby archaeological dig and it’s clear no one was ever supposed to find it. The locals deny all knowledge; they have no idea who it could be, but there is something disturbing about how they all give the exact same answer.
And what of the archaeologists? What were they really looking for? It wasn’t the Stone Age settlement they claim to be after. Does everyone in this town have a secret they don’t want exposed?
Together with his trusted sidekick, Albert and Rex are going to get to the bottom of the mystery.
He could walk away, there’s nothing to make him investigate. But Albert has an old school way of thinking and when things don't add up he just cannot help but poke his nose in.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2024
About the author
Steve Higgs
619 books848 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 11, 2025
Loved its quirkiness- some laugh out loud moments
July 30, 2024
Book 2 OLD SCHOOL. Steve Higgs has done it again. His writing is wonderful. You feel like you have 4 paws. The entire collection of Albert and Rex is worth a read. Everything I’ve read by Mr. Higgs has been terrific. In this episode of their travel adventures, they are in a small village in France near the German border looking for pretzels. Instead they find a body in an archaeological dig. They know it is murder but the police chief says it’s an accident. Hmmmm. They try to stay out of it but then another body is discovered and it has been buried much, much longer. It is a good investigation and Albert and Rex prevail as always. Give yourself an adventure and read these books. You can read them stand alone but you’ll enjoy it more if you start with their first adventure so you have all the background. Enjoy!
August 4, 2024
Another great reason to love Albert & Rex
As seems to be his nature, Albert just cannot stay away from trouble. He and Rex are in a small village LeOray, savoring the taste of the famous Bretzels. After trodding up a hill to get a look at the beautiful views, Albert finds a bench and opens his bag of warm bretzels. Rex grabs the first one as usual. You’d think he never ate. But a scream in the distance leads them both to an archeological dig, a dead body, and of course Albert & Rex get involved. They just can’t help themselves. You’ll find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen next, or howling with laughter at the thought of Albert on a toboggan, and of course he’d break the brakes so slowing down, well … you’ll just have to read it. There’s a lot of mayhem in this small village.
As seems to be his nature, Albert just cannot stay away from trouble. He and Rex are in a small village LeOray, savoring the taste of the famous Bretzels. After trodding up a hill to get a look at the beautiful views, Albert finds a bench and opens his bag of warm bretzels. Rex grabs the first one as usual. You’d think he never ate. But a scream in the distance leads them both to an archeological dig, a dead body, and of course Albert & Rex get involved. They just can’t help themselves. You’ll find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen next, or howling with laughter at the thought of Albert on a toboggan, and of course he’d break the brakes so slowing down, well … you’ll just have to read it. There’s a lot of mayhem in this small village.
June 23, 2025
Old School by Steve Higgs is the 2nd book in Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers series. Following on from his culinary tour of England, retired policemen Albert Smith and his "assistance dog" Rex Harrison continue their travels through Europe and are now in a town in France to sample the Bretzel (a French pretzel), only to again wind up in the middle of a murder investigation when a body is found at a nearby archaeological dig. I love catching up with Albert and Rex and joining them on their adventures. Rex always plays a starring role and is a lot of fun. I like the added information on the food and recipe in the back. Another superb and captivating mystery.
November 21, 2024
A terrible secret leads to trouble
Albert and Rex lead us on another journey. Two bodies buried in the same area. But the murders were 50 years apart. What’s the connection? It takes Albert and Rex to figure out the mystery as only the dynamic duo can.
Albert and Rex lead us on another journey. Two bodies buried in the same area. But the murders were 50 years apart. What’s the connection? It takes Albert and Rex to figure out the mystery as only the dynamic duo can.
August 11, 2024
The books in this series are always completely improbable but they're also wildly entertaining. I especially love the way the Rex (the dog) character is such a big part of the story and told from his viewpoint. I may laugh, shake my head and observe how unlikely it all is but it's fun and exciting so I'll keep the high ratings coming.
July 26, 2024
Steve Higgs writes the books so well , you’re drawn in from the start and it’s an exciting read that gets the old heart pumping in anticipation. Albert gets dug into mystery as he travels through France with his sidekick Rex. They’re in a town in the French Mountains where a body is dug up at an archeology site. When the locals are quizzed about the findings , it seems a tad suspicious that they all give duplicitous statements . What’s with this town and what are they hiding? It’s obvious that the body was not meant to ever be found. There’s something else amiss about the dig that claims to be about Stone Age settlements that doesn’t settle with mr. Smith. The police say it’s not foul play but there’s a niggle that won’t go away and another death says he is right in his thinking…Albert with his dog Rex delves into the mystery as things aren’t adding up . His favourite kind of mystery where his intuition in tune and it’s not led him a merry dance yet. …He was only here for the pretzels…Rex gets a good lead role in this one . Bravo to mr. Higgs for another great story. Brilliantly tense and exciting as well good fun , well it couldn’t be any other with this duo as they travel in search of their culinary delight hunting. Albert Smith solve the mystery again so roll out the bunting. I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words.
July 26, 2024
Not nearly as good as the first series
This series is tedious! Rex doesn't have a big enough part in it! The books have become ten-a- penny, run of the mill,easily solvable stories! There is no humour in them,anymore. Plus Albert is still 78 as he was in the very first book! Yet more than a year has passed at least!
Once again there are a few grammatical errors! The author has not mastered the past tense or present perfect of the verb 'to lie',(positional meaning as opposed to not telling the truth meaning, which are lay and have lain! He uses laid all the time, which is the correct form of the verb ' to lay something down', but not of 'to lie down'. Also it is OPPOSABLE thumbs not apposable, as was how the author spelled it! Plus it is smidgen of food not a smudge of food left on his face! He needs a proof reader! At least he has corrected his erroneous use of SPAN TO SPUN now. Thank goodness!
There was also the fact that the father of Anton was never revealed despite it being alluded to, earlier in the book, that he may have had something to do with the killing! The author is churning out far too many books and as a result they are all lacklustre, boring and not edited properly! It is a shame as his earlier books were great!
This series is tedious! Rex doesn't have a big enough part in it! The books have become ten-a- penny, run of the mill,easily solvable stories! There is no humour in them,anymore. Plus Albert is still 78 as he was in the very first book! Yet more than a year has passed at least!
Once again there are a few grammatical errors! The author has not mastered the past tense or present perfect of the verb 'to lie',(positional meaning as opposed to not telling the truth meaning, which are lay and have lain! He uses laid all the time, which is the correct form of the verb ' to lay something down', but not of 'to lie down'. Also it is OPPOSABLE thumbs not apposable, as was how the author spelled it! Plus it is smidgen of food not a smudge of food left on his face! He needs a proof reader! At least he has corrected his erroneous use of SPAN TO SPUN now. Thank goodness!
There was also the fact that the father of Anton was never revealed despite it being alluded to, earlier in the book, that he may have had something to do with the killing! The author is churning out far too many books and as a result they are all lacklustre, boring and not edited properly! It is a shame as his earlier books were great!
May 4, 2025
a fun lighthearted read, let's face it we are not going to take a book where part of the dialogue is the dog's too seriously, but a really pleasant way to pass a day or two. Albert Smith and his German Shepherd Rex Harrison are two loveable characters, (and having owned German Shepherds it is quite feasible to believe they feel far superior to human beings, although loyal to those humans to a fault) who get involved in crime on their travels. Albert is a retired policeman and Rex is a police reject (rather too fond of the chase and bite game, especially as he would avoid the proffered protected arm and go for a soft fleshy part of the trainer). In this particular journey, a body is found in an archeologists dig (or is it?) and the local police chief seems only too keen to call it an accidental death when to Albert it definitely wasn't, and Rex can smell another decompsed body nearby. Is this why nobody in the village seems inclined to accept the body in the trench is anything more than an accident? It is up to Albert to establish who murdered the man and Rex to ensure they discover the other body.
November 1, 2024
Old School by Steve Higgs 10/13/2024 Kindle
We are in a small town in France with Albert Smith and his intellectual superior dog Rex. A young archaeologist is murdered, but the locals are intent to call the crime an accident. Albert disagrees, causing him and his canine companion problems. Rex is confused. He sniffs that another body is nearby, but the dumb humans aren’t smart enough until he shows. However, this skeleton is decades old and when no one in town acknowledges a past missing person, Alberts curiosity takes hold. His musings extend to the background and purpose of the excavation activity as well.
Reality needs some adjustment and common sense need sometimes to go on hold, but the story, and series, is simple, but entertaining. This is a quick read, but fun. I’d recommend it as such.
We are in a small town in France with Albert Smith and his intellectual superior dog Rex. A young archaeologist is murdered, but the locals are intent to call the crime an accident. Albert disagrees, causing him and his canine companion problems. Rex is confused. He sniffs that another body is nearby, but the dumb humans aren’t smart enough until he shows. However, this skeleton is decades old and when no one in town acknowledges a past missing person, Alberts curiosity takes hold. His musings extend to the background and purpose of the excavation activity as well.
Reality needs some adjustment and common sense need sometimes to go on hold, but the story, and series, is simple, but entertaining. This is a quick read, but fun. I’d recommend it as such.
December 19, 2025
Kept my interest
I like the books because they have a good storyline. Albert is an older man and his dog Rex can perform some miraculous things. Albert has a sharp mind and is traveling to different places to sample the cuisine of that country. He gets caught up in helping to solve a mystery wherever he goes. It is nice to show that those over a certain age can still be valuable members of society rather than paint them as frail individuals who need to live in homes other than their own. I recommend this book because it held my interest and kept me guessing who the bad person was. I enjoyed reading it and hope you do also!
I like the books because they have a good storyline. Albert is an older man and his dog Rex can perform some miraculous things. Albert has a sharp mind and is traveling to different places to sample the cuisine of that country. He gets caught up in helping to solve a mystery wherever he goes. It is nice to show that those over a certain age can still be valuable members of society rather than paint them as frail individuals who need to live in homes other than their own. I recommend this book because it held my interest and kept me guessing who the bad person was. I enjoyed reading it and hope you do also!
January 30, 2026
Albert is in the thick again!
Albert just cannot stay out of trouble! Once again Rex finds a body putting Albert on the site of a crime scene. Worse yet, Albert had to call the police and was soon recognized as the famous old, bald English man with his dog who had solved so many wide spread crime schemes. Albert soon pairs up with an honest police woman when he discovers the nepotism runs deep in this town’s police department. Better yet, co-conspirators are everywhere he looks and they are anxious to report Albert and his activities to the Police Chief who is as bent as they come, but so are all the other government employees in town!
Albert just cannot stay out of trouble! Once again Rex finds a body putting Albert on the site of a crime scene. Worse yet, Albert had to call the police and was soon recognized as the famous old, bald English man with his dog who had solved so many wide spread crime schemes. Albert soon pairs up with an honest police woman when he discovers the nepotism runs deep in this town’s police department. Better yet, co-conspirators are everywhere he looks and they are anxious to report Albert and his activities to the Police Chief who is as bent as they come, but so are all the other government employees in town!
July 9, 2024
Another enjoyable and easy-to-read story by Mr. Higgs. The duo - Albert and Rex - are now in a small village in France near the border with Germany as Albert wants to learn more about the origin and how to make pretzels. But as always, trouble finds them when a man is found dead at a suspicious archeological dig and the police seems to be happy to say it was not murder but an accident. As another corpse turns up it seems like the whole village is lying and a deep secret that was meant to be kept buried is struggling to come to light. Great entertainment!
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
Read
July 24, 2024On a European tour to taste the finest in culinary delights, Albert stumbles onto a new mystery and another seemingly smart but totally inept policeman.
After hearing a lady scream, Albert sees the body and knows it wasn't a simple accident. Now, does he look into it or walk away? Well, he is Albert Smith, so......
This was actually quite a thrilling story. A lot of action, especially near the end. Rex plays a bigger role and is getting more story time.
I really am enjoying the new adventures of Albert and Rex, a lot!
After hearing a lady scream, Albert sees the body and knows it wasn't a simple accident. Now, does he look into it or walk away? Well, he is Albert Smith, so......
This was actually quite a thrilling story. A lot of action, especially near the end. Rex plays a bigger role and is getting more story time.
I really am enjoying the new adventures of Albert and Rex, a lot!
September 19, 2024
Old School
I do love me some Albert & Rex stories!! It does my heart good to read how well they get along & balance each other! Complement each other! They're like two sides of the same coin! I wish I had a dog like Rex!! And a friend like Albert! I know they'd have my back!! In this story, as usual, they are merely traveling to see the countryside & to sample local cuisine. However, again as usual, they get caught up in the investigation of a crime or two! These two never disappoint!
I do love me some Albert & Rex stories!! It does my heart good to read how well they get along & balance each other! Complement each other! They're like two sides of the same coin! I wish I had a dog like Rex!! And a friend like Albert! I know they'd have my back!! In this story, as usual, they are merely traveling to see the countryside & to sample local cuisine. However, again as usual, they get caught up in the investigation of a crime or two! These two never disappoint!
July 26, 2024
A 50 year old mystery
Some things just don't improve with age; a 50 year old murder is one of them. The twists and turns this story takes are fascinating. And just when you least expect it, the answers start coming at you in a rush. This is a roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. And the icing on the cake is the second mystery occurring alongside the main one! Brilliantly written!
Some things just don't improve with age; a 50 year old murder is one of them. The twists and turns this story takes are fascinating. And just when you least expect it, the answers start coming at you in a rush. This is a roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. And the icing on the cake is the second mystery occurring alongside the main one! Brilliantly written!
August 1, 2024
Steve Higgs never fails to totally entertain with this couple
I found this author on his first release of Albert Smith. I have four dogs and totally understand communications with me. Example as someone passing my front bay window with massive barking. “Hey mom’s up so come on in.” Or hey quiet as my mom is trying to sleep!” As Rex always points out that the nose always knows or food is to be eaten not looked at or played with. I love this series.
I found this author on his first release of Albert Smith. I have four dogs and totally understand communications with me. Example as someone passing my front bay window with massive barking. “Hey mom’s up so come on in.” Or hey quiet as my mom is trying to sleep!” As Rex always points out that the nose always knows or food is to be eaten not looked at or played with. I love this series.
February 9, 2025
Nothing like the norovirus to give a person time to read....of course after the body has been purged of anything close to food. In any event, it was a who done it more than once. Not as inspiring as the first two adventures but I am going to go for a trio....
I am still smitten by Albert and love the camaraderie between he and Rex. The situations that they manage to get into are entertaining and his "frailty" and awareness of the aging process are commendable. He is an inspiration.
I am still smitten by Albert and love the camaraderie between he and Rex. The situations that they manage to get into are entertaining and his "frailty" and awareness of the aging process are commendable. He is an inspiration.
Did Not Finish
September 26, 2025DNF, 1 hour into audiobook. Description sounded good but it’s really slow and it’s feeling a bit cliched so far. Also frankly too much time spent on the dog’s POV re food etc, for a 6 hour crime novella/audiobook.
If you like strong doggy characters in your crime fiction, also try The Good Dog (Detective Zoe Mayer #3) by Simon Rowell. It’s excellent crime fiction and you will fall hard for the dog too.
If you like strong doggy characters in your crime fiction, also try The Good Dog (Detective Zoe Mayer #3) by Simon Rowell. It’s excellent crime fiction and you will fall hard for the dog too.
April 21, 2026
There were some things I liked and some that I did not. Rex was a little too unbelievable in this book and also a bit crude on occasion and I don’t like that. Albert was so smart at times and not so much at other times. I really liked Margo’s character. I love it when Albert connects with a good side kick on his adventures. Kind of a sad story and a bit gruesome at times but much the same as other Albert and Rex stories.
June 30, 2024
I loved Albert and Rex last lot of adventures and now they're embroiled in a French mystery. A body is discovered which leaves to the discovery of a second body which, in turn, leads to secrets that the village residents would like to remain secret. Can Albert and Rex solve both murders without becoming the next victims? Read it and find out, it's a page turner and you won't be disappointed.
August 8, 2024
Steve Higgs is Amazing!
Steve Higgs continues to write the very entertaining stories about Albert Smith and his perceptive dog, Rex. No explicit sex, language, or violence, except for Rex's biting of those who threaten his human. The author's sheer volume of work is incredible, especially considering he is mindful of the needs of his young family.
Steve Higgs continues to write the very entertaining stories about Albert Smith and his perceptive dog, Rex. No explicit sex, language, or violence, except for Rex's biting of those who threaten his human. The author's sheer volume of work is incredible, especially considering he is mindful of the needs of his young family.
August 22, 2024
An adventure in France
Slightly different than book 1, Albert and his dog Joe stumble into a couple of murders. Part sleuth, part stumbling and some bumbling luck thrown in, this works as a light mystery. After reading the first 2 books, i can't decide whether to read their original series or continue his retirement travel adventure.
Slightly different than book 1, Albert and his dog Joe stumble into a couple of murders. Part sleuth, part stumbling and some bumbling luck thrown in, this works as a light mystery. After reading the first 2 books, i can't decide whether to read their original series or continue his retirement travel adventure.
September 30, 2025
First time reader of Steve Higgs books. I enjoyed OLD SCHOOL. The book did not have an abundance of characters and lots of different story lines. It was easy to read and very enjoyable. The main characters ( a dog was one of them) were so interesting and smart. I’ve already started my 2nd Steve Higgs book and I’m sure I’ll be a fan for a long time. Very enjoyable reading.
October 5, 2025
I have very much enjoyed the second book in this series. I love the character of Rex and I find his antics quite comical. The way he takes care of his human is amazing, while he still takes care of his doggie needs. This story had so many twists and turns that it was impossible to really make any guesses as to who the real culprit could be!
October 20, 2025
I'm not sure I liked this second installment as much as the first. I don't know why it fell a little flat, but it just wasn't the same. However, I still enjoyed the story. The side story of the "archeological dig" was a nice addition. The story/mystery itself is good enough to hold my attention, but I will keep coming back because I enjoy Albert's moral character, and I adore Rex.
July 28, 2024
Fabulous, all the superlatives!!!
I love this book!!! It seems to pull you in roll you around in it's intrigue!!!
Some new characters I hope we meet again.
And, of course, Albert and Rex, and their amazing partnership!!!!
Can't wait for the next book!!!
Thanks for writing!!!
I love this book!!! It seems to pull you in roll you around in it's intrigue!!!
Some new characters I hope we meet again.
And, of course, Albert and Rex, and their amazing partnership!!!!
Can't wait for the next book!!!
Thanks for writing!!!
July 30, 2024
I rated this a 2.5. I really like Albert and Rex, but this story did not do them justice. Too many peripheral characters to keep the story straight. Ending was muddled and far-fetched. Very disappointing addition to the series.
August 1, 2024
French treasures
Albert and Rex find themselves at the center of a suspected murder. A troupe of men from Sweden are digging for "stone age artifacts." Uncovering an old crime which leads to more intrigue.
Albert and Rex find themselves at the center of a suspected murder. A troupe of men from Sweden are digging for "stone age artifacts." Uncovering an old crime which leads to more intrigue.
August 9, 2024
Schools out with this Albert & Rex adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, after book 1 in this series being short and not as exciting as these are I wondered if I would enjoy it. Delightful, Albert & Rex flavour developed to perfection.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, after book 1 in this series being short and not as exciting as these are I wondered if I would enjoy it. Delightful, Albert & Rex flavour developed to perfection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews